SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE GUIDE CHECKLIST FOR GOING INTO BUSINESS

THE GUIDE View or order a free copy of A Guide to Starting a Business in Minnesota from the Minnesota Small Business Administration Office. Website: call (651) for a print copy.

PLAN Prepare a comprehensive business plan. Anyone who extends credit to you ( lenders, suppliers, equipment and property lessors) will ask to see it. This should include an exit strategy.

COST Thoroughly examine your start-up costs. These include: rent, supplies, telephone, insurance, opening inventory, license and permit fees, legal and professional fees, fixtures and equipment, decorating and/or remodeling costs, advertising and promotion costs, salaries and wages, utility deposits, adequate cash reserves.

KEEP RECORDS Have a record system that will keep track of all you income and expenses, inventory, payroll records, and tax reports. Have an accountant who will help with your financial statements.

INSURANCE Insure your business. Some basic types of insurance are: property insurance (includes fire, storm, glass, auto, theft, vandalism), business interruption, insure key personnel, liability, workers compensation, health insurance, product liability, fidelity and surety bonds if needed. For design professionals, liability insurance must be continuous to maintain protection out 10 years from date of service. A fidelity bond is a form of protection that covers policyholders for losses that they incur as a result of fraudulent acts by specified individuals. It usually insures a business for losses caused by the dishonest acts of its employees. A surety bond is issued by an entity on behalf of a second party, guaranteeing that the second party will fulfill an obligation or series of obligations to a third party. In the event that the obligations are not met, the third party will recover its losses via the bond. Client may require this.

PRICING Know how to price the goods and services that you sell. i.e. Know your competition

SUPPLIERS Identify your suppliers. Have firm agreements with them in place before you start, i.e. terms, prices, ordering policies, delivery schedules. e.g. Copy and plotting, software vendors and support

PAYMENT Establish customer payment policies. This includes check cashing, payment terms, extending credit and use of credit cards.

BANKING Set up a company bank account that is separate from your personal account.

HR Have job descriptions and work policies in place for all employees. Determine benefit packages keeping in mind such things as: payroll tax, health and/or life insurance, vacation, sick leave, and training.

ORGANIZATION Determine the type of business organization for your company - proprietorship, partnership, or corporation. This will have tax and management control consequences.

REGISTER Register your business name (if assumed) with Secretary of State’s Office. If you are a corporation, file with the Secretary of State. Partnerships may register with the Secretary of State, but this is not necessary. Registration fee of sole proprietorship $25, Business Corporation $160.

ID NUMBERS Minnesota businesses will need one or more tax identification numbers. These include the Federal Employer Identification Number, the Minnesota Taxpayer Identification Number, and the Minnesota Unemployment Compensation Employer Identification Number.

SALES TAX Businesses engaging in making taxable retail sales or providing taxable services will need a Minnesota sales and use tax permit. Design professions not a taxable service.

LICENSES The state, county and municipalities of Minnesota may require one or more licenses for your business. For the state check with the Minnesota Small Business Assistance Office. For the county and city check with your local government offices about permits and codes. The State of Minnesota licenses design professionals.

SUPPORT Make sure that you have the kind of support you need from family. There will be a strain on time and financial resources that your family/spouse must buy into.

FAQ Consult the list of Frequently Requested Numbers and the end of the Resource Guide for website and telephone numbers. The End